IV infusion bag carrier pack

ABSTRACT

An IV infusion bag carrier pack is arranged as a substantially hollow, flexible bag having an interior that is divided into two interior compartments by a flexible, heat permeable divider panel, one interior compartment being arranged to receive and confine an IV fluids bag and the other interior compartment arranged to receive and confine the inflatable pressure cuff member of a blood pressure apparatus, whereby an IV fluids bag contained in the first pocket may be selectively pressurized by inflation of the blood pressure cuff contained in the second pocket whereby selectively controlled infusion delivery of IV fluids contained in the carrier pack apparatus may be continuously maintained irrespective of the relative disposition of the carrier pack apparatus and patient during treatment, extrication and rescue in the field, and transport to a medical facility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to intravenous fluids bags used inemergency medical situations in the field, and more particularly to acarrier pack apparatus arranged to protectively hold and carry an IVfluids bag and selectively apply pressure and heat or cold to the IV bagduring dispensing to a patient to assure that a positive infusion ofproper temperature fluids to a patient is continuously maintainedirrespective of the relative disposition of the IV bag and the patientduring treatment and rescue procedures in field situations in combat,emergency extrications and rescue operations and transport of thepatient to a medical facility.

As the average person is likely to be aware, it is common and necessarythat oftentimes when a person is injured it is important that he receiveintravenous fluids as soon as practicable. Most individuals have seenexamples of patients connected to IV fluids bags by catheter tube andwill have noticed that the fluid bag is typically held in an elevatedposition above the patient either by a support hook structure or by aperson holding the bag in hand. In this manner, the flow of the IVfluids through the catheter tube to the patient is assured by the forceof gravity. Often however, particularly in combat, extrication andrescue situations, it is not possible to retain an IV bag in an elevatedposition above the patient, and consequently the IV bag must be placedon the patient's body or stretcher where IV fluid transfer is eithergreatly slowed or effectively stopped.

Also, as is well understood by those skilled in the art, combat andrescue situations occur in widely divergent temperature situations whichare often at odds with the patient's needs while being tended inemergency medical circumstances. Examples of such temperature situationsare the extremely hot, desert combat situations of places like Iraq andAfghanistan, and mountain rescue situations of hikers, etc. insubfreezing temperatures high up on mountains. Those skilled in the artwill immediately recognize that it is less than desirable to infuse aninjured patient in hot, desert climates with fluids that have warmedprior to use by their storage in the extremely hot desert environment.By the same token, it is undesirable to infuse a hypothermic patientwith fluids that have been chilled as they have been transported to thescene of a mountain rescue. Indeed, in the above cases, the infusion offluids is often necessary to help stabilize the body temperature againstthe heat or chill of the surrounding environment.

Therefore, it can be seen that a need exists for an IV infusion bagcarrier pack that is arranged to be conveniently and protectivelycarried in hands-free condition supported on a combat or military orrescue personnel, and operable to provide pressurized,temperature-controlled infusion of the contents of an IV fluids bag to apatient irrespective of the relative positioning of the carrier pack andthe IV bag contained therein relative to the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its basic concept this invention provides an IV infusion bag carrierpack arranged as a substantially hollow, flexible bag, closed at one endand divided into two interior compartments by a flexible, heat permeabledivider panel, one interior compartment arranged to receive and confinean IV fluids bag and the other, adjacent interior compartment arrangedto receive and confine the inflatable pressure cuff member of a bloodpressure apparatus and, if desired, a selected heat-generating packet orcold-generating packet for disposition immediately adjacent the dividerpanel separating the two compartments, whereby an IV fluids bagcontained in the first pocket may be selectively heated or cooled duringtransport and dispensing and the blood pressure cuff may be inflated toa selected pressure within the second compartment to pressurize the IVfluids bag in the first compartment as needed to maintain a desired,uninterrupted infusion of fluid from the IV fluids bag to a catheterizedpatient.

It is by virtue of the foregoing concept that the principle objective ofthis invention is achieved; namely, the provision of an IV infusion bagcarrier apparatus of the class described which protectively carries aselected intravenous fluids bag and inflatable blood pressure apparatusin hand-free condition supported on a personnel during transport betweenused and which in use maintains an IV fluids bag in a predeterminedstated of pressurization for continuous infusion of the fluids to acatheterized patient during extrication, emergency treatment andtransport of the patient to a medical facility.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class described which isarranged to hold a selected heat or cold-generating package adjacent theIV fluids bag to respectively heat or cool the IV fluids contained inthe bag in order to maintain optimal temperature of the fluids to bedelivered to a patient irrespective of the ambient air temperature ofthe surrounding environment in the field.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class described whichprovides an insulated carrier bag to minimize the effects of ambient airtemperatures on the interior confines of an IV fluids bag contained inan interior compartment of the apparatus, for more effective control ofthe temperature of intravenous fluids to be delivered to a patient.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class described which isarranged to be worn on a personnel by a strap member arranged toposition the carrier bag member adjacent the torso area of the personnelduring carrying, whereby if desired, the carrier apparatus may bedisposed adjacent the wearer's body beneath overlying clothing in orderto utilize the wearer's body heat for controlling the temperature of theIV fluids bag carried in the interior compartment of the carrierapparatus.

A further object and advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class described whichincludes a transparent window panel on an exterior wall of the bagmember for viewing through the transparent window the fluid level of anIV fluids bag contained in the interior confines of the carrierapparatus.

A still further object and advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class describedwhich is arranged to facilitate removal and installation of an IV fluidsbag in the carrier apparatus without requiring disconnection of thecatheter tube from the IV fluids bag.

A yet further object and advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an IV infusion bag carrier apparatus of the class describedwhich is of simplified construction for economical manufacture andreliability of use.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill appear from the following detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. I is a fragmentary, front elevational view of an IV infusion bagcarrier pack apparatus embodying features of this invention beingcarried in a supported condition overlying the torso area of a wearingpersonnel, the apparatus being shown in condition for infusion deliveryof IV fluids to a catheterized patient.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the IV infusion bag carrier packapparatus in an open condition preliminary to provision of an IV fluidsbag and a blood pressure cuff member.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as seenfrom the opposite direction in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded front perspective view of the carrierpack apparatus of FIG. 2 showing the installation of an IV fluids bagand blood pressure cuff apparatus into the first and second interiorpockets, respectively, of the carrier pack.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the IV infusion bag carrier packapparatus taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. I.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. I illustrates an IV infusion pack I0 embodying features of thepresent invention in use hanging by a neck-encircling strap member I2 ona medical or rescue personnel P. Alternatively, the apparatus may besimilarly supported on the patient himself, as may be necessitated inextrication operations or as may be desired so that rescue personnel arenot encumbered in their activities and movements by a need to carry anIV bag connected to the patient.

In its preferred form illustrated herein, an IV infusion pack I0embodying features of this invention comprises a longitudinallyelongated, hollow bag member I4 formed of flexible but generallynon-elastic fabric material such as nylon, gortex, canvas or otherselected fabric material. As illustrated the elongated bag member ispreferably formed with a front wall panel I6 and a rear wall panel I8,each panel I6, I8 preferably including an intermediate insulation layerI9, the bag member having a substantially closed first longitudinalterminal end 20 and a substantially open second longitudinal terminalend 22, together defining a substantially hollow, insulated bagenclosure having an enclosed interior cavity which is substantially openthrough said second, open end 22 of the bag.

As seen best in FIG. 5, the hollow bag member includes a generallyflexible, heat-permeable divider panel 24 secured within the hollowinterior cavity of the bag and arranged to divide the interior cavityinto a first, front, longitudinally-elongated interior compartment orpocket 26 and a second, rear, longitudinally elongated interiorcompartment or pocket 28, each of the separate pockets 24, 26 being opento the open second end 22 of the bag member. This divider panel memberpreferably comprises a sheet of flexible, non-elastic mesh or net-typeperforate fabric material having a plurality of openings therethroughfor minimal restriction of temperature variations and heat transfer fromone interior pocket to the other. The perforate fabric material may beof any suitable type, such as nylon, synthetic thermoplastic resin,metal mesh, natural fabric or other as may be desired, and is preferablywhite or light in color so that it provides a suitable background forviewing of the numbers and indicia on an IV fluids bag contained in thefront pocket. A rear pocket closure flap member 30 is secured to therear wall I8 of the bag and arranged to releasably overlie the open endof the rear pocket 28. The closure flap member 30 is releasably securedto the divider panel member 24 as by a hook and loop type fastenerapparatus 32 having a selected one of corresponding interengaging hookand loop components 32′ secured on the closure flap member 30 anddivider panel 24 respectively, as shown in FIG. 5.

As will also be readily evident in viewing FIGS. 4 and 5 of thedrawings, the IV pack I0 of this invention is arranged and dimensionedto permit the front interior pocket 26 to receive and closely and snuglyconfine within its interior a selected, filled flexible IV fluids bag34, and to permit the rear pocket 28 to receive and closely confinewithin its interior an inflatable blood pressure cuff 36 in a foldedcondition. As will be understood, the closure flap 30 is arranged topermit the tube 38 or tubes 38′ for the inflation bulb 40, pressurerelease valve 42 and pressure gauge 44 of the blood pressure apparatusto extend out of the rear pocket 28 and through the open end 22 to theoutside of the bag member.

The IV bag is positioned in the front pocket so that its outlet endfitting 34′ is disposed adjacent the open end 22 of the bag forconnection of a flexible IV tube 46, in conventional manner, forcommunicating fluids to a catheter (not shown) inserted in the patientas is well understood in the medical art. Also, an opening 48 may ifdesired also be provided through the first, closed end 20 of the bag forcommunication with the interior of the front pocket 26. In this manner,if it is desired or needed for a particular purpose, the IV bag may beplaced into the front pocket in an inverted condition, for extension ofthe IV bag outlet fixture 34′ and tube 46 through the opening 48 as willbe understood.

As also shown in the drawings, the IV pack of this invention includesmeans for releasably and adjustably closing the second, openlongitudinal end 22 of the bag. In the particular embodiment illustratedherein, this is accomplished by the provision of a bag closure flapmember shown herein in the form of a generally V-shaped flap member 50having legs forming the open end of the V-shape secured to the rear wallI8 of the bag. The flap member is arranged to overlie and lap over theopen end 22 of the bag for releasable securement of the opposite, free,closed outer end 50′ of the V-shaped flap member to the front wall panelI6 of the bag.

In this regard, the free, outer end portion 50′ of the closure flapmember 50 mounts a selected length of one component 52 of a hook andloop type fastener and the front wall I6 of the bag mounts a selectedlength of the corresponding component 54 of the hook and loop typefastener. This arrangement allows the closure flap member 50 to overlieand securely close the open end of the IV pack to snugly confine a fullIV bag contained in the front interior pocket. Then if needed ordesired, the closure flap member may be readjusted periodically as mightbe required to continue to snugly confine the IV bag as its fluidcontents are continuingly depleted, as will be apparent to those skilledin the art.

Another important feature of a bag closure flap member, as representedin the embodiment of the V-shaped flap member 50 illustrated herein, isthat it accommodates passage of the pressure cuff tubes 38, 38′ and theIV bag catheter tube 46 out of the interior confines of the IV pack whenthe closure flap member 50 is operatively secured, as is clearly shownin FIG. I. Clearly, however, other configurations of bag end closurearrangements suitable for the purpose may alternatively be provided, aswill be evident to those skilled in the art.

For example, as is shown in the particular, preferred embodimentillustrated herein, the V-shaped closure flap member 50 preferablyincludes one leg 50 a having an inner end portion 50 b that is arrangedfor releasable attachment to the rear wall I8 adjacent the open end 22of the bag. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the rear panel I8mounts a metal ring member 5I arranged to receive the inner end portion50 b of the one leg 50 a of the V-shaped strap member. In turn, theinner end portion mounts corresponding hook and loop components 5Ia, 5Ibrespectively of a hook and loop type fastener apparatus arranged tosecure the end portion together in a folded condition shown with thering member 5I captured therebetween.

In this manner, when it is necessary to replace an IV fluids bag afterits fluid contents have been depleted, the outer free end 50′ of theclosure front member 50 is released from its hook and loop connection tothe fastener 54 on the front wall I6, permitting the open end 22 of thebag to be opened to expose the depleted fluids bag in the first pocket.The inner end portion 50 b of the V-shaped closure flap member 50 isthen disconnected from its captured engagement with metal securementring member 5I, thus freeing the outlet fitting 34′ and IV tube 46 fromthe surrounding V-shaped strap closure arrangement and permittingseparation of the tube and outlet fitting from the carrier bag withoutdisconnection from the IV fluids bag 34 also being removed therewith.This greatly facilitates fluids bag removal and replacement operations,as those skilled in the art will readily recognize.

As previously mentioned, and as shown in the drawings, the IV pack ofthis invention also mounts a neck or shoulder carrier strap member I2 bywhich the IV pack can be carried in a convenient, non-encumbering,hands-free suspended condition on a rescue personnel. While thisarrangement obviously allows the IV pack to be carried and used withoutencumbering the hands of the rescue personnel, it also affords otheradvantages that will be readily evident to those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment illustrated, the strap I2 is secured to the bag forextension, as shown, from the first, closed end 20 whereby the IV packis supported in the hanging condition shown. The strap member I2 may, asshown, be provided with a quick release arrangement, such asinterengaging buckle apparatus 56, to facilitate removal of the IV packfrom the wearer, as may be desirable in situations for example, wherethe wearer is wearing a helmet. The strap member may also as shown beprovided for adjustment of its length, as by friction adjustment member58 shown.

As seen in FIGS. I, 2 and 4 of the drawings, the front wall I6 of the IVpack includes means for viewing an IV fluids bag confined within theinterior of the front pocket 26 of the bag. In the particular embodimentillustrated, the front wall I6 is formed with a longitudinally extendingviewing window 60 through the front wall. This viewing window ispreferably covered by a cover sheet of transparent material, such asclear plastic, secured to the front wall. In this manner, the level ofthe fluid contained in the IV bag 34 can be visually seen and monitoredcontinuously at a glance.

From the foregoing it will be understood that in preparation of use, ablood pressure cuff 36 is folded and inserted into the rear pocket 28with its tube 38, (or tubes 38, 38′), extended out of the top of therear pocket and the open end 22 of the IV pack. If desired, a selectedheat-generating or cold-generating packet 62, well known in the art, maybe placed in the rear pocket between the blood pressure cuff and thedivider panel and activated, so that an IV bag contained in the frontpocket will be heated or cooled as desired for optimal infusion to thepatient. The rear pocket closure flap 30 is then closed to secure thecuff and heat or cold generating packets within the confines of thepocket 28. The IV pack is then ready to receive a selected IV fluids bag34 when the pack is to be readied for use for a rescue operation orother medical endeavor.

A selected IV fluids bag 34 is then inserted into the front pocket 26with its outlet fixture 34′ disposed at the open end 22 of the bag (oralternatively, in registry with the opening 48 through the closed end 20of the bag). The bag closure flap member 50 is then secured in conditionoverlying and snugly closing the open end 22 of the bag, the IV fitting34′ extending through the opening through the closure flap member. Thecarrier strap I2 of the IV pack may then be slung about a wearer's neckor over his shoulder and the pack carried in suspended manner withoutinterfering with the wearer's hands or activities.

When needed, and with a catheter inserted in a patient and the IV tube46 connected to the catheter and IV bag, the IV is started in normalmanner well known to those skilled in the medical art. The bloodpressure cuff 36 may then be inflated by operation of bulb 40 to apredetermined pressure as witnessed by gauge 44 to expand the cuff inthe rear pocket 28 and thereby apply pressure against the IV fluids bag34 contained in the front pocket 26. This increased pressure on thesnugly confined IV bag 34 assures positive and uninterrupted delivery offluids irrespective of the disposition of the IV pack relative to thepatient. Also, should the patient require, the blood pressure cuff canbe inflated to a higher predetermined pressure in order to provide rapidinfusion of the IV fluid if needed by the patient in a given situation.

Also it will be readily apparent that, with the IV pack secured by theneck or shoulder strap I2, whether on the rescue personnel or thepatient himself, the IV pack may be supported thusly under the wearer'sjacket to facilitate warming of the IV fluids contained in the IV packby the radiant heating from the wearer's body. Further warming of thefluids can be obtained by extending the IV tube through the wearer'ssleeve. It will also be apparent that separate IV packs can be suspendedfrom each shoulder of the wearer and positioned in the area of thearmpits for warming.

If the IV pack is hung or otherwise supported in positioned elevatedabove the patient, as when transporting the patient in ambulance orother vehicle, the IV fluids may be delivered by gravity feed, withoutneed of pressurizing the cuff if so desired. Also, it will beappreciated that, with the IV pack of this invention secured to thepatient himself, the unattended delivery of fluids is assured evenduring extrication procedures which may be lengthy, complex and requiremanipulating the patient into vertical, rotated and other positions thatwould otherwise interfere with and complicate the delivery of IV fluidsto the patient during such activities.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart that many various changes other than those already discussed may bemade in the size, shape, type, number and arrangement of parts describedhereinbefore without departing from the spirit of this invention and thescope of the appended claims.

1. An IV infusion bag carrier pack apparatus for protectively holding anIV fluids bag during transport to a patient in need of IV fluids and forholding the IV fluids bag in a controlled, pressurized condition forinfusion delivery of the IV fluids through a catheter tube to a patient,the IV infusion bag carrier pack apparatus comprising: a) asubstantially hollow bag member formed of flexible, generallynon-elastic fabric material, the bag member having insulated front andrear wall panels, a substantially closed, first bag end and asubstantially open, second bag end forming a substantially hollow bagenclosure having an enclosed, insulated interior cavity open throughsaid second, open bag end, b) a heat-permeable divider panel membersecured in said insulated interior bag cavity and arranged to divide theinterior cavity into a first, front interior pocket and an adjacent,second, rear interior pocket, each said pocket being open to saidsecond, open end of the bag member, said front pocket arranged toreceive and closely and snugly confine a selected, filled IV fluids bagand said rear pocket arranged to receive and confine both an inflatableblood pressure cuff in a folded condition and a selected heat orcold-generating packet positioned adjacent said divider panel member, c)a rear pocket closure flap member on the bag member arranged toreleasably overlie and close the open second, rear interior pocket toconfine therein a folded, inflatable blood pressure cuff member and aselected heat or cold-generating packet member, d) a carrier bag closureflap member having a first end secured to the rear wall panel of the bagmember and a second, free end portion arranged to overlie and lap overthe open end of the bag for releasable securement of the free endportion to the front wall panel of the bag to releasably and securelyoverlie and close the open end of the hollow bag member to snuglyconfine a full IV fluids bag contained in the first interior pocket, ande) a carrier strap member secured on said bag member and arranged tosupport the IV infusion bag carrier pack apparatus in a hangingcondition on a wearing personnel.
 2. The IV infusion bag carrier packapparatus of claim I wherein said heat-permeable divider panel membercomprises a perforate panel of flexible material for providing minimalrestriction to heat passing through the divider panel member.
 3. The IVinfusion bag carrier pack apparatus of claim I wherein said carrier bagclosure flap member comprises a substantially V-shaped flap memberhaving a pair of legs forming the open end of the V-shape, the legssecured to the rear wall panel, at least one said legs being securedreleasably to the rear wall panel, the flap member having a free, outerclosed end arranged for releasable securement to the front wall panel,the flap member arranged to releasably overlie and close the open end ofthe bag member.
 4. The IV infusion bag carrier pack apparatus of claim 3wherein said V-shaped carrier bag closure flap member includes anopening therethrough between said pair of legs, said opening for passagethrough the closure flap member of a catheter tube connected to an IVfluids bag contained in said first, front pocket of the carrier packapparatus.
 5. The IV infusion bag carrier pack apparatus of claim Iwherein said closure flap member is arranged to permit passage of aninflation tube of a blood pressure cuff contained in the second, rearinterior pocket to extend out of the interior confines of the carrierpack apparatus when the closure flap member is secured in overlyingcondition closing the open top end of the carrier pack.
 6. The IVinfusion bag carrier pack apparatus of claim I including a transparentviewing window on the front wall of the carrier pack disposed adjacentsaid first, front interior pocket for viewing of the fluid level of anIV fluids bag contained in the interior pocket.